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Table Talk · April 20, 2022

It has been at least 10 years since I have had the opportunity to attend the Peach Blossom Cluster in Perry, Georgia, and this year did not disappoint! There were many specialties, including a few national specialties which resulted in lots and lots of majors! The show is spread out in several different buildings, but the buildings are very nice and very clean. The show committee did a fantastic job of accommodating the needs of many different specialty clubs, along with several judge changes that caused minimal inconvenience to exhibitors.

The NOHS exhibitors were very happy! NOHS group winners were awarded rosettes comparable to the regular groups and they all felt like they were treated with the same respect as exhibitors who showed in the regular competition. Congratulations to all of the cluster volunteers on a job well done!

Unfortunately, Dr. Carmen Battaglia did not make it back to the show to judge on Saturday. He went to the hospital after the show on Friday with chest pain. Dr. Battaglia had a mild heart attack, and two stints were put in him. I am told he will rest for a couple of weeks and then he’ll be back in the ring as well as hosting his popular seminars. Feel better soon, Carmen! We are anxiously awaiting your return.

I had the opportunity to chat with Guy Fisher about the AKC Club Development program called Show Chairman 101that was offered at the Peach Blossom Cluster. This is a great program that provides a wealth of information about the resources the Club Development department offers to dog clubs. It also provides great information for Show Chairs ranging from completing an application, to holding a show, to hosting a successful show. It provides resources to publicize shows and clubs, too. I am told that 25% of Show Chairs are new to their position annually!  New Show Chairs do not need to feel that they are alone as Club Development is there to help them every step of the way. Among the resources provided by Club Development are email blasts about membership drives and shows along with a Facebook page where clubs can post information about their clubs and their upcoming shows. Club Development will work with dog clubs by showing them how to hold mix and mingle events to increase membership and involvement. Clubs that have taken advantage of these services include the Cambridge, Minnesota club that increased their club membership and active participation by 5 members, and their show entry by 5% and the Bloomington, Indiana club that increased their membership by 8 members. For more information, folks can contact Guy Fisher in AKC Club Development.

I am told Karen Kurtzner is recovering from her back surgery, and after a small setback has been up and walking a bit! Hang in there Karen! Feel better soon. We look forward to having you and Mike back at the dog shows!

Peggy Beisel-Mcilwaine’s husband, Sandy, is home from the hospital under Peggy’s expert care.  Sandy has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Our thoughts are with Peggy and Sandy during this challenging time.

Positive thoughts go out to Elizabeth Salewsky who has been admitted to the hospital. Get well soon, Elizabeth; Crom and the rest of us need to see your smiling face.

The Labrador Retriever Club of The Potomac specialty was held this past week in Maryland.  Potomac is the largest stand-alone specialty in the world. This year it had an entry of 1367 Labradors including well over 300 class bitches, more than 200 class dogs, 108 Best of Breed entries and 44 non-Regular class entries. Their B-Match had an entry of over 100, and Sweepstakes took 2 days to judge with an entry of over 300. Unfortunately, since the show was not the “National Specialty”, Reserve Winners Dog and Winners Bitch did not receive points. Imagine going reserve in an entry of over 300 and not getting a single point! One of the favorites of the week is always the Top 20 gala that raises money for the Canine Health Foundation. In the past 6 years, Potomac has donated over $100,000 to the CHF with the funds raised from the gala. The club also donated $500 to the Frederick County K9 unit. The Mayor of Frederick County declared the Friday of the Potomac show as Labrador Retriever Day! Congratulations to The Labrador Retriever Club of The Potomac for your outstanding efforts and for giving back to the community.

Robin Greenslade’s better half, Ken, is celebrating his 70th birthday this week! Other fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include:  Robin Stansell, Alyssia Booth, Brianne Rock, Bryan Martin, Chrystal Murray, John Magenau, Courtney Norris, Tiffany Skinner, Payden Steele and Tootie Longo. Best wishes for a great day to one and all!

Please remember this my friends:  Respect is earned, honesty is appreciated, trust is gained and loyalty is returned!

Be safe in your travels and give your dogs an extra hug every day. I’ll see you soon down the road!  Until next time…

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